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Saturday, September 03, 2016

Bananthimari Betta Trek

A week ago, My colleague, Sharath and I discussed trekking during the long weekend. Bananthimari aka Maribetta aka Karadibetta was almost immediately decided for September 3rd. As the day approached, we were joined by 10 other people. Last evening, I had a tough time finding a descent blog that could direct us properly up to the summit. Several of them had gone lost while trekking here and others seem to have taken a different route along with some established trek groups. So, with an open mind to explore, I set off on the journey today. I had decided that if at all we make it to the top, I would try to provide detailed direction for future independent trekkers.All of us gathered near Kanakapura NICE road junction and proceeded towards Kanankapura. At Kanakapura, we stopped at the famous but crowded, Vasu hotel. Apparently Masala dosa is very famous here but at 6:30AM, they were not yet ready. So we settled in for Idly. I found a group of elders outside the restaurant, who guided me with some directions to the hill. However, they suggested that I keep checking with locals regularly so that we don't miss the route. Apparently there are multiple ways to get to the different sides of the hill. Also, the hill can be viewed on the right as you enter Kanakapura while driving from Bangalore. There is one closest route to the base, via Kanakapura-Ramanagara route that is listed in google maps. If you take this route, you might have to walk through the valley to get to the trail that starts from the temple. We took the temple route.Directions From Kanakapura to Bananthimari Temple -

Take the Kanakapura-Malavalli route (Or sometimes called Sathanuru route). After taking that left deviation at the Y junction in the town, a few kilometres ahead, you would find a small lake on your right. Well, actually you might not find it there as they are filling it up to perhaps construct concrete structures. So follow the google maps or take the right turn near a public school on the same road. Keep driving for about 6 kms to view the temple arch on your right. Locals would guide you towards the temple in case of doubt. The road through the arch takes you into a village and you may find sign boards all through, but if you miss them, ask a local who will direct you to the temple. The roads get really bad as we approach the temple. We had to park our cars at about half a kilometre before the temple. Bikes can manage to ride upto the temple.

Directions From the Temple to Maribetta Summit -

As you climb up and reach a flat region, you will find the temple on your left.

On your right is a trail that actually connects the valley to the temple. Take that trail.

A few distance on this wide trail, you shall see a small pond on your right. On one of the rocks is a tiny shrine for Nandi.

Just after you cross the pond, on your left, on a small rock, you shall see a red arrow mark pointing leftward. This can be easily missed, so pay attention.

If you miss the arrow you shall reach a huge tree at the base of which you shall see some "trishul" and pooja material left by the devotees. If you get there then just return back to find the arrow.So, as soon as you cross the pond, on a small rock, you shall find a red arrow pointing leftwards. This arrow leads you up into a forest and you shall soon see another red arrow mark on a rock above. And then on, just follow the markings. They become red dots at times, sometimes turn green in colour and at times they hide in locations barely visible. But once you are on this track, I think you are good to go. You can find some way or the other uphill. Our Story - We assembled at the temple at around 8:00 AM and took the trail. Based on one of the blogs, we headed towards the route that we assumed to be the trail. But that blog was misleading and it took us to a small hill on the right side of Maribetta. But we realised it very soon and returned back to the tree (Mentioned earlier). It was very clear, observing the hill that we could only climb it from the back side. That is, from the side of the temple. All other sides are just huge rocks. We explored some route near the tree but had no luck. We decided to head back to the temple and see if there were any other trails leading us towards the back of the hill and as we reached the pond, we saw this red arrow mark. That was a relief. Once we were on the trail, the trek seemed extremely easy. The initial climb is very steep and first time trekkers may find it difficult. But for regular trekkers, this is a easy or a moderate trek. As you gain height, the trail gets simpler and you walk towards the pointed end of the Maribetta.

The hill was filled with beautiful wild flowers and the surrounding was very green, which made this a very pleasant climb. It took us less than an hour to get to the summit. At the summit, we relaxed for about close to an hour. There are a few cave formations on the hill that could be explored.

We began our journey back at around 10:45 AM. The return to the base was even more quicker. We arrived at this small cave on our way back.

Back at the village, the locals were busy setting the Cocoon stands (Chandrike) or working in the fields. It was a pleasant morning.

At Kanakpura, we again stopped at Vasu Hotel and had no luck with Masala dosa. So, we deicded to head back to Bangalore and have lunch at A2B. The town was getting ready for the Ganesha Festival and Ganesha Idols were on display all along.

This was a very short but thrilling trek. I am very glad that we spotted the red markings on time, else it could have been extremely challenging to find a way up the hill. The view was formidable with green surroundings and beautiful blooms, the weather was perfect with sun hiding behind the clouds all the time and most importantly, the group was enthusiastic.